A Message from your County Commissioner | |
Dear Palm Beach County District 3 residents,
I am excited to share the latest updates and achievements within District 3. Your ongoing engagement and support have been instrumental in driving the positive changes we are seeing in our community.
On June 4, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act reserve to support the planning and design of the highly anticipated Hispanic Multicultural Resource Center. This center, slated for construction in our district, will serve as a vital hub for cultural enrichment and community resources.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Palm Springs Travel Club to address road and bridge issues within our district. Touring the Extraordinary Kids Foundation Inc. and sharing coffee with seniors at Cagigas Medical Center were also highlights, as these interactions help me better understand and serve our community's needs. I recorded a live update on the 6th Avenue bridge and spoke on the growing opioid pandemic.
It was an honor to speak at the ARC of Palm Beach County graduation ceremony and participate in the Unity Through Wellness event hosted by FoundCare Inc. for Haitian Heritage Day. The Rock n Roll Sunday Greenacres Fire Rescue Chili Cook-Off, where I showcased my Barnett's Bayou Chili was a hit. We didn't win the competition, but we were close.
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As we celebrate Juneteenth and Independence Day, it is important to reflect on their significance. Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, reminds us of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Independence Day celebrates the birth of our nation and the principles of freedom. Let us use these occasions to come together, embrace diversity and work toward a more inclusive society. By championing justice, equality, and liberty for all, we can build a stronger and more united nation. | |
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Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Michael A. Barnett
Palm Beach County Commissioner, District 3
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District News: Hurricane Preparedness | |
As hurricane season approaches, it is crucial to be prepared. Please make sure to create a family plan, build an emergency kit with essential supplies and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts. Secure your home by trimming trees and installing shutters and know your evacuation zone and nearby shelters. | |
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Create an Emergency Kit: Include necessities like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and important documents.
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Have a Plan: Establish a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
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Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and weather updates, and sign up for community alerts.
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Secure Your Home: Ensure your home is equipped with storm shutters or plywood to protect windows and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
As always, your feedback is crucial as we continue to build a stronger and more resilient Palm Beach County. Please stay engaged and informed about our community’s progress.
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Commissioner Barnett's #1 Priority
Hispanic Multicultural Resource Community Center
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On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) reserves to support the planning and design of the highly anticipated Hispanic Multicultural Center (the Center), which will be built in District 3.
"Palm Beach County is home to one of the fastest-growing Hispanic communities in Florida," said Commissioner Michael A. Barnett. "It's time we recognized our Hispanic community for their outstanding contributions to our everyday lives and supported efforts to create a broader, more permanent sense of place in Palm Beach County."
The Center will be a dynamic public/private partnership between Palm Beach County and the Community Foundation. It will celebrate the rich diversity Hispanic cultures represented in the area through community events, festivals, exhibits and educational workshops. Visitors to the Center will find essential job resources and skills training, and serve as an incubator for small businesses. Once completed, the Center will attract thousands of people from the region, generating tourism revenue and boosting the local economy.
Moreover, the Center will enhance the efforts of the county, law enforcement, and nonprofit agencies already working to support those in need. "For years, there has been a passionate call in my district for such a place,” said Commissioner Barnett. “Tired of all the talk, my office worked to generate support from community leaders up to the highest Palm Beach County government levels for this Hispanic Multicultural Resource Center. Finally, it is becoming a reality."
This initiative is a triumph for the Hispanic community and all the diverse, Hispanic cultures embody it. It ensures that Palm Beach County celebrates and supports their contributions and vibrant presence.
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Barnett's Boots on The Ground | |
Each week, Commissioner Barnett diligently visits local businesses and residential communities in his district, forging connections and gaining firsthand knowledge of our community's needs while providing access to resources. | |
To learn more about Commissioner Barnett's work, visit his website at pbcgov.com/D3. | |
To invite Commissioner Barnett to an event, meeting, or community gathering please contact him directly at 561-355-2203 or via email at mbarnett@pbc.gov. | |
Monthly Food Distribution at
The Mid-County Senior Center Lake Worth
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Commissioner Barnett recently had the pleasure of spending time with our beloved seniors at the Mid-County Senior Center, located at 3680 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth. After adjourning early from the Board of County Commissioners meeting in March, he visited the center within the Community Services Department and provides meals, transportation, arts and crafts, recreation and Alzheimer’s support services for our most at-risk senior citizens. | |
Responding swiftly to this heartfelt plea, Commissioner Barnett teamed up with Palm Beach County Community Services Department and Restoration Bridge International to make a meaningful difference. Seniors will be invited to take home as many green produce items as they can carry. Additionally, there is a critical need for drivers and driver participants to service seniors’ needs after 2 p.m., as Palm Tran provides transportation only until 2 p.m.. If you want to get involved, contact the center at 561-357-7100, or stop by for a visit. For more information, visit their website at Mid-County Senior Center. | |
Friends of Fisher House Inc. Day | |
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 4, 2024, Commissioner Barnett presented a proclamation declaring June 4, 2024, as Friends of Fisher House Inc. Day in Palm Beach County. The Fisher House Foundation Inc. is an international nonprofit that works alongside the Veterans Health Administration to provide complimentary quality-of-life services for active military members, veterans, and their families. The Friends of Fisher House Inc. supports the West Palm Beach Fisher House to ensure military families experience the comforts of home. At the same time, a loved one receives vital care at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center or a nearby facility. Friends of Fisher House Inc. Board of Directors President Lauren Berkson honors her father, Captain Joseph M. Berkson, a U.S. Army ranger killed in action in Vietnam in 1972, through her volunteerism. | |
Pictured here (l to r): Friends of Fisher House Inc. supporter Fred Angelo, Friends of Fisher House Inc. Vice President Rick Salvadore, Commissioner Barnett, Friends of Fisher House Inc. President Lauren Berkson, Friends of Fisher House Inc. supporter John Rothberg. | |
Barnett Presents Haitian Heritage Day Proclamation | |
At the Unity Through Wellness Event Hosted by FoundCare Inc. on May 18, Commissioner Barnett presented the proclamation declaring May 2024 as Haitian Heritage Month in Palm Beach County. The Unity Through Wellness Event was celebrated at FoundCare Inc., located at 2330 S Congress Ave., West Palm Beach. Haitian American Heritage Month is a jubilant celebration embracing Haitian heritage and culture in the United States. The Haitian community in Palm Beach County started a Haitian celebration in 2001 that contributed greatly to making Haitian Heritage Month a statewide and national celebration. | |
Palm Beach County District 3 Roads | |
Visit the Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department website for the latest updates on District 3 road projects or call Constituent Services at 561-233-5500 to obtain an update from staff.
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6th Avenue South Bridge Replacement June Update | |
During the concrete placement for the eastbound 6th Avenue bridge deck, quality assurance tests revealed deficiencies, leading to removing a 45’ by 34’ section. Damage to the support beams discovered during demolition halted operations, and further inspections identified additional repairs. The contractor’s engineering analysis report was submitted on May 28, with ongoing inspections delaying concrete replacement until all issues are resolved. Despite these setbacks, Ranger Construction continues work on other project areas. As a result, the bridge's anticipated opening has been pushed to at least August 2024. Current detours remain in place, with traffic redirected via S. Congress Avenue, Lake Worth Road, and S. Dixie Highway. Access to I-95 ramps at 6th Avenue S. remains open, with restrictions for truck access west of I-95. Thank you for your patience as we ensure the safety and quality of the bridge. | |
Commissioner Barnett is committed to making government more accessible to residents of District 3. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at one of our two convenient locations to address any questions or concerns you may have. We're here to serve you! | | | | |
